10 things you didn't know about Prof Errol Morrison

Someone once remarked, for someone so qualified, he is remarkably unpretentious! The person on whom this accolade was being bestowed was Professor Errol Morrison, scientist and president of the University of Technology, known and celebrated the world over for his groundbreaking research on diabetes.

Professor Errol Morrison is a doer, not a poser. He has a medical degree from the Royal University of Malta, a master's degree from the University College of London, and a doctorate and two professorships from the University of the West Indies where he served as pro-vice chancellor and dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. But more important, he has been credited with transforming the University of Technology into an international centre of excellence that now boasts a long waiting list of applicants.

Today, Outlook Magazine shares with you 10 things previously not known about the widely travelled Professor Errol Morrison, who admittedly fears large bodies of water and lists among his role models- his mother, Lucille Morrison, Wesley Powell, and George Xuereb, pathology professor in Malta, and is reputed not to take himself too seriously.

1. He is short-sighted and this was not recognised in his early childhood. A condition that made him inattentive in the classroom, he began to excel academically after he was diagnosed and fitted with corrective lenses.

2.He enjoys a good joke and shows his appreciation with a healthy robust laugh. It has been said that the sound of his laughter often precedes his presence.

3.He takes his professional responsibilities and portfolios very seriously and is said to be dedicated to a fault - talking in his sleep about work-related matters.

4. His favourite dish is pork in any form with generously buttered white rice, and avocado is always considered a treat. He has a penchant for dramatic art and is adept at arranging pieces on any wall.

5. Compared to his public persona, he is quite a homebody and is a sleep expert and is quite at peace sleeping his time away, fortunately without snoring most times.

6.He does not believe in procrastinating and, consequently, does not waste time. Once he has decided that something should be done, it is executed right away. He considered an expert time manager.

7.He does not carry grudges or waste time on regrets, and is quick to forgive, forget and move on.

8. His favourite snack is bun and cheese washed down with a cold Red Stripe beer.

9. Lists Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber as his favourite composer.

10. Believes the greatest gift one can bestow on another individual is helping them rise to their full potential and consequently, is known for the development of persons with whom he interacts, whether graduate student, academic staff or support staff, and has helped many Jamaicans improve their lives.